Anuj Sachdeva’s latest show “Chhal Kaptaan” has taken the audience by storm, thanks in part to his portrayal of Vikram Shandel, a character inspired by Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha, who is also Parineeti Chopra’s husband. In a recent chat with Amar Ujala Digital, Anuj opened up about his experience playing Vikram and what drew him to the role.
Getting into character
The show’s producer, Samar Khan, first pitched the idea to Anuj at the premiere of a documentary film they had worked on together. Anuj was intrigued by the character’s complexity and the opportunity to play a nuanced role. To get into character, Anuj studied Raghav Chadha’s speeches, particularly his parliamentary addresses, to capture his tone and cadence. He also observed Chadha’s body language to bring authenticity to his performance.
Director Ajay S. gave Anuj the creative freedom to interpret the role, offering guidance only when necessary. Anuj found the character’s subtlety challenging, as Vikram appears calm and composed on the surface but harbors intricate thoughts and plans. Anuj had to convey this complexity through his body language and dialogue delivery.
Industry insights
Anuj also shared his thoughts on the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry. He believes that while there is a lot of competition, some people pretend to be friends while secretly working against each other. Anuj has become more cautious in forming close relationships, as trust is hard to come by. He values his existing friendships but is more guarded now.
As for his interest in politics, Anuj revealed that he has been following it closely over the past five or six years. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked his curiosity, and he began reading about global news and investments. He admires Gandhi’s emphasis on compassion and believes that if he can create positive change through politics, he would be open to exploring that path.
Anuj’s love for animals is another aspect of his personality that shines through. He hopes to contribute to their welfare and make a difference in their lives. With “Chhal Kaptaan” gaining popularity, Anuj’s portrayal of Vikram Shandel has been well-received by audiences, and his nuanced performance is a testament to his skill as an actor.